FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026: Walk-in Interviews for JRF, JPF, Project & Field Assistant Posts (Feb 19–24)

Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun has released a fresh notification for multiple fellowship-based project posts including Senior Project Associate, Junior Research Fellow/Junior Project Fellow, Project Assistant and Field Assistant on a purely temporary basis for 2026.

These walk-in interviews offer an excellent opportunity for candidates from Forestry, Botany, Biotechnology, Environmental Science and related backgrounds to work on government-funded plantation monitoring projects in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Forest Research Institute (FRI), under the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), has invited eligible candidates for walk-in-interviews for various research project positions.

• Organization: Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun
• Funding agencies: Uttar Pradesh Forest Department (UPFD) and Punjab Forest Department (PFD)
• Mode of recruitment: Walk-in-interview (no online application)
• Nature of posts: Project-based, purely temporary fellowship positions
• Work area: Monitoring and evaluation of forest plantations in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab
• Location of Interview: Board Room, FRI Main Building, P.O. New Forest, Dehradun – 248006

These positions are ideal for job seekers aiming for research exposure, field work experience and government project association in the forestry and environmental sector.

Important Dates and Reporting Time

Candidates have to appear directly at FRI Dehradun on the scheduled dates with all documents.

• Interview Dates:
  • 19 February 2026
  • 20 February 2026
  • 23 February 2026
  • 24 February 2026
• Reporting Time for Registration: Between 09:00 AM to 10:15 AM on the respective date
• Interview Venue: Board Room, FRI Main Building, P.O. New Forest, FRI Dehradun

No separate call letter will be issued and no TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview, so candidates must plan travel and stay accordingly.

Vacancy Details – Posts, Qualification and Salary

Post-wise vacancy and salary

All amounts are consolidated monthly fellowships for the duration of the project.

Educational qualifications and experience

1. Senior Project Associate (SPA) – Monitoring and Evaluation of Plantations raised by Uttar Pradesh Forest Department/Other Departments (UPFD project)
   • Essential:
     • First class M.Sc. in Forestry/Agroforestry/Botany/Biotechnology/Environmental Science from a recognized university, and
     • Four years’ experience in research field, or
     • Doctoral degree in Forestry/Botany/Biotechnology/Environmental Science or equivalent.
   • Desirable:
     • Ability for extensive touring, knowledge of MS Office, statistical tools, computer applications and RS & GIS.
2. Junior Project Fellow (JPF) – Monitoring and Evaluation of Plantations raised by Uttar Pradesh Forest Department/Other Departments
   • Essential:
     • First class M.Sc. in Forestry/Agroforestry/Botany/Biotechnology/Environmental Science.
   • Desirable:
     • Capable of extensive touring, knowledge of MS Office and computer applications.
     • Preference for candidates having relevant field experience.
3. Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – Monitoring and Evaluation of Plantations raised by Punjab Forest Department (2022–2025)
   • Essential:
     • First class M.Sc. in Forestry/Agroforestry/Botany/Biotechnology/Environmental Science with NET qualification.
   • Desirable:
     • Extensive touring capability, knowledge of MS Office, statistical tools, computer applications, RS & GIS.
     • Preference for candidates with relevant experience.
4. Project Assistant (UPFD and PFD projects) – Plantation Monitoring in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab
   • Essential:
     • B.Sc. in Forestry/Botany/Biotechnology/Environmental Science.
   • Desirable:
     • Ability for extensive touring, knowledge of MS Office and basic computer applications.
     • Preference for candidates with relevant field experience.
5. Field Assistant (FA) – UPFD plantation monitoring project
   • Essential:
     • Intermediate (10+2) qualification.
   • Desirable:
     • Preference to candidates having experience in relevant field/field work.

These roles suit job seekers who enjoy outdoor fieldwork, data collection, plantation monitoring and want to strengthen their CV with government research projects.

Age Limit and Tenure

• Senior Project Associate: Upper age limit 40 years as on 01.06.2026.
• JRF/JPF: Upper age limit 28 years as on 01.06.2026.
• Age relaxation: Up to 5 years for SC, ST, OBC, women and physically handicapped candidates.
• Tenure: Initially up to the duration mentioned for each project (generally 12–17 months) or up to project completion or availability of funds, whichever is earlier, and may be extended as per ICFRE rules.

Candidates who have already completed 4 years as RA/SRF/SPF/JRF/JPF will not be considered for JRF/JPF posts. Ph.D. period and teaching experience will not be counted as research experience for these positions.

How to Apply – Walk-in-Interview Process

There is no online or offline application form; selection is purely through walk-in-interview.

Step-by-step process for candidates

1. Check eligibility
   Ensure your educational qualification, age and experience strictly match the post you wish to apply for.
2. Prepare your documents
   • Updated bio-data (CV) in clear format.
   • Recent passport-size photograph.
   • Self-attested copies of all educational certificates and mark sheets.
   • Experience certificates (if any) related to forestry, plantation, research or field work.
   • Valid ID proof.
   • NOC from current employer, if already working somewhere.
3. Reach the venue on time
   • Report at FRI Main Building Board Room, Dehradun between 09:00 AM and 10:15 AM on the relevant interview date.
   • Late reporting may lead to rejection at the registration desk.
4. Registration and document submission
   Submit your bio-data and photocopies of documents in the office of Group Coordinator (Research), P.O. New Forest, FRI, Dehradun on the day of interview.
5. Interview
   • Appear before the selection panel as per schedule.
   • Be ready to answer questions on forestry, plantations, data collection, field work and your subject expertise.

The fellowship does not guarantee any permanent job in ICFRE/FRI after project completion, but it provides valuable government research experience and networking opportunities.

Key Benefits and Career Scope for Job Seekers

These FRI Dehradun project positions are highly beneficial for candidates planning a career in forestry, environmental science and research.

• Hands-on exposure in large-scale plantation monitoring and evaluation projects in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
• Opportunity to work with experienced scientists like project investigators and Assistant Silviculturists.
• Field-based learning: ground truthing, data collection, sampling, GPS/RS & GIS usage, report preparation and analysis.
• Strong addition to CV for future Ph.D., government exams, research associate positions or international fellowships.
• Stipend-based engagement providing financial support while building research experience.

For freshers and early-career researchers, positions like JPF, JRF and Project Assistant are a strong stepping stone towards advanced research roles and higher studies in forestry and environmental disciplines.